company to scout along and discover the country, to
learn in what condition and posture the enemy was,
that they might take counsel, and proceed according
to the present occasion. Gymnast offered himself
to go. Whereupon it was concluded, that for his
safety and the better expedition, he should have with
him someone that knew the ways, avenues, turnings,
windings, and rivers thereabout. Then away went
he and Prelingot, the equerry or gentleman of Vauguyon’s
horse, who scouted and espied as narrowly as they
could upon all quarters without any fear. In
the meantime Gargantua took a little refreshment, ate
somewhat himself, the like did those who were with
him, and caused to give to his mare a picotine of
oats, that is, three score and fourteen quarters and
three bushels. Gymnast and his comrade rode so
long, that at last they met with the enemy’s
forces, all scattered and out of order, plundering,
stealing, robbing, and pillaging all they could lay
their hands on. And, as far off as they could
perceive him, they ran thronging upon the back of one
another in all haste towards him, to unload him of
his money, and untruss his portmantles. Then
cried he out unto them, My masters, I am a poor devil,
I desire you to spare me. I have yet one crown
left. Come, we must drink it, for it is aurum
potabile, and this horse here shall be sold to pay
my welcome. Afterwards take me for one of your
own, for never yet was there any man that knew better
how to take, lard, roast, and dress, yea, by G—,
to tear asunder and devour a hen, than I that am here:
and for my proficiat I drink to all good fellows.
With that he unscrewed his borracho (which was a great
Dutch leathern bottle), and without putting in his
nose drank very honestly. The maroufle rogues
looked upon him, opening their throats a foot wide,
and putting out their tongues like greyhounds, in
hopes to drink after him; but Captain Tripet, in the
very nick of that their expectation, came running to
him to see who it was. To him Gymnast offered
his bottle, saying, Hold, captain, drink boldly and
spare not; I have been thy taster, it is wine of La
Faye Monjau. What! said Tripet, this fellow gibes
and flouts us? Who art thou? said Tripet.
I am, said Gymnast, a poor devil (pauvre diable).
Ha, said Tripet, seeing thou art a poor devil, it is
reason that thou shouldst be permitted to go whithersoever
thou wilt, for all poor devils pass everywhere without
toll or tax. But it is not the custom of poor
devils to be so well mounted; therefore, sir devil,
come down, and let me have your horse, and if he do
not carry me well, you, master devil, must do it:
for I love a life that such a devil as you should
carry me away.
How Gymnast very souply and cunningly killed Captain
Tripet and others of Picrochole’s men.
